She talked about her childhood in Cincinnati as she made her the case that she’s the right person for the job.

“My passion for this work comes from my desire to improve the lives of others to improve the lives of others as has been done for me,” Simpson said.

With fellow council members Chris Seelbach and Wendell Young standing behind her during today’s announcement, battle lines won’t follow party lines. A Simpson vs. Cranley battle would be Democrat versus Democrat.

During her announcement Simpson was asked by WLWT News 5’s Andrew Setters how her leadership style would be different from four more years of Cranley.

After she stopped laughing, Simpson responded, “Today we’re talking about positive change for our city and I think that answers your question.”

Avondale activist Ozie Davis is in her corner. He said she is a graceful leader.

“When you’re an African American woman coming from the depths of Lincoln Heights as she did, you learn how to maneuver to get what you want,” Davis said.

There’s a long road ahead before we pick the next mayor of the city of Cincinnati. The election for that seat doesn’t take place until next November.

Cincinnati has an open primary –- that means the top two vote-getters will face off against each other, regardless of their party affiliation.

That primary will be held in May, thanks to a recent change to the Cincinnati charter.